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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 5/2020

01-05-2020 | Metformin | Embryo Biology

Antidiabetic drug metformin affects the developmental competence of cleavage-stage embryos

Authors: Guruprasad Nayak, Sujith Raj Salian, Pooja Agarwal, Pooja Suresh Poojary, Arpitha Rao, Sandhya Kumari, Sneha Guruprasad Kalthur, Ajjappla B. Shreya, Srinivas Mutalik, Satish Kumar Adiga, Guruprasad Kalthur

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 5/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed drug in the management of metabolic disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes in women of reproductive age. Insulin-sensitizing effect of metformin helps in improving from PCOS features such as hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and infertility. However, its ability to cross placental barrier raises concern about safety of the drug on early embryonic development. In this study, we evaluated the effect of metformin on the ovarian function and embryo development.

Methods

Adult Swiss albino female mice were administered with metformin (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 4 weeks and assessed for reproductive function and preimplantation embryo development. Further, effect of metformin (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 μg/mL) exposure to 2-cell-stage embryos was tested under in vitro conditions.

Results

Metformin did not alter the body weight, blood glucose, ovarian weight, and follicular reserve. However, the early embryo development was significantly affected in mice treated with metformin in vivo at highest dose. Moreover, embryos which were exposed to metformin in vitro showed dose-dependent decline in blastocyst rate and hatching rate. Furthermore, at highest concentration of metformin (500 μg/mL), all the embryos were arrested at compaction stage.

Conclusion

The study revealed that metformin affects the early embryonic development and raises concern about its use during conception.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Antidiabetic drug metformin affects the developmental competence of cleavage-stage embryos
Authors
Guruprasad Nayak
Sujith Raj Salian
Pooja Agarwal
Pooja Suresh Poojary
Arpitha Rao
Sandhya Kumari
Sneha Guruprasad Kalthur
Ajjappla B. Shreya
Srinivas Mutalik
Satish Kumar Adiga
Guruprasad Kalthur
Publication date
01-05-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Metformin
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-020-01709-6

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